Legal Definitions - procuring an abortion

Procuring an abortion refers to the act of actively assisting, enabling, or causing another person to undergo the termination of a pregnancy. This term typically describes actions taken by someone other than the pregnant individual or the medical professional performing the procedure, but who plays a significant role in making the abortion happen.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Providing Transportation

  A friend drives a pregnant individual across state lines to a clinic where abortion is legally accessible, fully aware of the purpose of the trip. The friend also waits for them and drives them back home.

  This illustrates "procuring an abortion" because the friend is providing essential logistical support and transportation, directly enabling the pregnant individual to access and undergo the procedure.

• Example 2: Financial Assistance

  An individual provides a significant sum of money to a family member to cover the full cost of an abortion procedure, including the clinic fees and necessary travel expenses, knowing precisely what the funds will be used for.

  In this scenario, the individual is "procuring an abortion" by removing a substantial financial barrier, thereby directly facilitating the termination of the pregnancy.

• Example 3: Information and Resources

  A support group leader, operating in a jurisdiction where it is legally permissible, provides a member with a comprehensive list of reputable out-of-state clinics that offer abortion services, along with information on financial aid programs specifically for abortion care, after the member expresses their intent to seek an abortion.

  This demonstrates "procuring an abortion" because the support group leader is actively providing critical information and resources that empower and enable the member to access the service, even without directly performing the procedure or providing funds themselves.